The pressures for companies to stay
ahead through rapid development of new technologies have never been greater. The
theme of Innovate or Perish! is the development and execution of
plans for innovation. The Seven-Step Innovation Process to Meet the
Challenges of Globalization is explicitly designed to achieve those
goals and answer the questions:

Is there a real methodology for innovation?

Can companies develop new products and processes by following a designed
procedure?

This book is a complete manual for small and medium sized manufacturing
companies to produce new products and processes that can enhance their
competitive position. The unique Seven Step Innovation Process starts with the
creation of a strategic innovation plan and then provides a system to evaluate
the current products and manufacturing capabilities of a company. Methods are
then proposed to select and execute the new developments in the most effective
manner. Finally, the critical roles of outsourcing and executive management are
reviewed.

This well-researched book is written in an engaging, anecdotal style so that
difficult concepts are easy to follow. The target audience includes executives,
management, and employees of manufacturing companies, regardless of their
training. The book could also be used in college courses focused on innovation
and project management.

Dr. Richard Sussman has a background as one of the top technical leaders in
the steel industry with over forty publications and invited presentations. He
has drawn on his experiences in directing several of the largest R&D
departments combined with other technical groups. Elements of the Seven Step
Innovation Process were created and successfully used in his last company. The
numerous examples in the book are drawn from his actual experiences.